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163
mothers. In addition, the number of health visitors at that
time was insufficient to enable them to give adequate time to
this branch of the work. However, in view of the Minister's
criticism it was resolved to restart, in a tentative way, in 1925,
and so two sewing classes were instituted, one at New Eltham
and one at Woolwich. The object of these classes is to help
mothers to make suitable clothing for themselves and for
baby in an economical manner, to give facilities for procuring
proper materials, and to give the necessary instruction.
Accordingly materials have been bought by the Council in
bulk and are sold in small quantities at cost price. The
mothers are encouraged to bring old garments and instructions
are given in adapting these for children's use. Designs for model
clothing have been provided, and advice is given in cutting
out and making up the material. The actual sewing is carried
out either at the classes or at home. Knitting is also encouraged.
These classes take up a large amount of the
health visitor's time, and as the attendances are not large, it
must be said that the results of these classes have been somewhat
disappointing, measured by their popularity. It may
be that they will increase in popularity as time goes on, but
this is a matter which the future will disclose. In addition to
these classes special attention is given at the morning clinics,
where the attendances are relatively small, to teaching mothercraft
and baby hygiene.
(m) The Voluntary Centre, which was established by the
Victory Club in Beresford Street, continues to do good work.
It serves one of the most difficult areas in the Borough and
meets once a week (on Monday afternoons). The number of
children attending the Centre during the year was 115, and
the total number of attendances, including mothers, was 756.
As in previous years, one of the Council's assistant medical
officers has attended at this centre every alternate Monday,